Best Playgrounds in Canberra
Earlier this year (and adding to previous experience) I set out to become the world expert on Canberra playgrounds. I think I succeeded, and I have the travel articles to prove it. First, a not-very-plausible Tour of Canberra (seriously, all of it) through playgrounds. It really does work for seeing all Canberra’s best bits in a single day, and it involves art, science, culture, history, and music! 
Secondly, the best ten playgrounds rated – by imaginative fun, parental seating, safety, toilet facilities, fatal flaws, likelihood of crowding, and more! I write a LOT of travel articles. These two are the best by far, hence being put on the blog. Louisette’s godmother saw the Epic Tour and said she’d like to attempt it! I’ll let you know how far we get before Louisette begs to go home 🙂 
NB These picture are the property of WeekendNotes.
Nap
Always a crowd-pleaser.
Thing are extremely exciting in TJ-land. I was so excited about the Cotter River I forgot to post TJ having fun on the Cotter Playground slide (above).
In the last week he’s been all about movement. If we hadn’t child-proofed ages ago, we’d need to do it IMMEDIATELY. As it is, we need to re-establish some old habits – like closing doors – and teach them to Louisette too (luckily she’s got that toddler-OCD door-closing habit already). He can get anywhere he wants on hands and knees (still in that funny caterpillar-humping movement). His knees have been visibly red 24-7 for days, and he and Louisette “race” across the kitchen, laughing maniacally. When she hides, he finds her! He’s also started walking forwards (with hands held) very enthusiastically and quite fast.
In the last 24 hours, he’s (just) pulled himself into a standing position, and (just) stood independently (for a max of about three seconds, after careful placement and balancing).
Mum’s Birthday
And then I went away and spent most of the day writing, dropping in and out to largely-pleasant kids. Perfect.
River
We went to the Cotter yesterday (which was just especially/except for the brown snake that happily wandered across the playground!)
It was TJ’s first time in/near a river, and he was great! I couldn’t photograph him reaching down to splash the water, because I was holding on to him.
Thought
Another cruising exercise. He reached Panda just fine, but then knocked her onto the floor and could NOT figure out how to get down. Very funny to watch as he executed some lovely Riverdance-style moves with his feet to no avail.
Cute on Command
I start a part-time job today (more on THAT later) so here’s TJ’s pic of the day so I don’t forget it later. I swear he’s emotionally bonded with the camera. He HAS seen it more than most of his immediate relatives. . .
Out of (my) hair
We’ve reached a brilliant part of life when I no longer have to stay within arm’s reach of Louisette as she plays on (most) playgrounds). That means that everyone wins – I don’t have to injure myself walking around with TJ in my arms; Louisette gets out more; TJ gets attention in a novel location. He’s not actually smiling in any of these, but I assure you he was having a brilliant time.
Also, I cut his hair today. Spot the difference 🙂
Felicity Banks 